The County of Kings is seeking a Library Director to drive innovation, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance services that empower residents of all ages. This executive-level position offers an outstanding opportunity for a proven leader to oversee all functions and activities of the County's public library system. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional management, communication, and collaboration skills, with a commitment to public service, innovation, and organizational excellence.

MANAGEMENT LEVEL I BENEFITS

This position includes Management Group I benefits, which features CalPERS retirement (plan and tier placement determined at benefits selection) and fully paid PPO health, dental, vision, and chiropractic insurance for employees and eligible dependents. Employees are also eligible for the Deferred Compensation Plan, with the County contributing one dollar for every three dollars contributed by the employee, up to $3,500 per year. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 to 20 days per year, based on years of service, and the County Executive Officer may authorize an adjusted accrual rate for employees hired from other public agencies to reflect prior service. In addition, this position includes 80 hours of management leave (pro-rated upon hire date), which may be cashed out at the employee's option. Employees receive 11.5 scheduled paid holidays per year, plus an additional 3.5 days when the County participates in holiday closures, and 10 to 12 days of accrued sick leave per year with unlimited accrual. Other benefits include $50,000 term life insurance and access to the onsite Health Center which is open Monday through Friday for employees and eligible dependents, without the need to use sick or other leave for personal appointments. Longevity pay is available to management employees after 10, and 20 years of service.

For more information about the Kings County Library Director, please click here.
For complete benefit details, please see Section V of the Salary Resolution.
You can also click here to watch a brief video showcasing the exceptional benefits available to our employees.

EMPLOYMENT AT WILL

The Library Director, a department head, is an "at-will" position, which is not included in the County's classified service and is exempts from merit system status. As an at-will employee, the incumbent may be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by the County Executive Officer as the appointing authority.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Assumes full management responsibility for all Library Department programs, services, and activities.
Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary; coordinates the design and budget of capital improvement projects for the department.
Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine County needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
Establishes a collection development policy and is the final authority on selection of titles and materials to be added or deleted from the collection.
Develops, revises, and implements administrative programs and procedures such as workload planning and assignment, integrated library systems, physical space allocation, and equipment needs.
Directs the conduct of analytical and management studies; reviews reports of findings, alternatives, and recommendations.
Prepares grant proposals and administers grant funding after award.
Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of library services.
Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the County Executive Officer.
Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Equivalent to a master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited college or university with major coursework in Library Science.

Experience:

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience overseeing and administering the programs, services, and activities of a full-service library system in a managerial or administrative capacity.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

Possession of a valid California driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check, which includes a credit check. Ability to work irregular hours as necessary and travel within and outside the County.

The detailed job specification is available by clicking here.In addition to the application, applicants are required to submit a professional resume outlining relevant education and experience. This resume must be attached to your application. You must scan and attach your resume to your online application prior to submitting your application (or your application may be rejected). For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.

All application materials submitted will be evaluated and screened. Final candidates will be interviewed by the County Executive Officer. Finalists will be expected to provide three professional references. A background investigation will be required for all final candidates. The job offer will be conditioned upon passing a background investigation, which includes a DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting.

Tentative Recruitment Process
Final Date to Apply: June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
First Interview: Week of June 15, 2026

Second Interview: Week of June 22, 2026

Kings County

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Library Director